I live in Western Pennsylvania in a home that was built in the 1930’s. My garage is below my kitchen and dining room. During the cold winter months, my kitchen floor feels like an ice hockey rink. When homes were built at that time, little to no attention was paid to how well the home was insulated (as evident by my exorbitant monthly gas bill in the winter) or air sealed.
The other day, I connected my electric starter to crank up my snowblower. I was too lazy to pull out an extension cord, so I simply used the 4-foot cord that came with the snow blower and plugged it into the one and only electrical outlet, located in the center of the garage. In 30 seconds, I had the snowblower started, and I proceeded outside with the snowblower to complete the task.
When I finished, I went upstairs to find that my wife had several scented candles burning. Why? Because the entire first floor of our home smelled like exhaust – from the less than 30 seconds that the engine of the snowblower was running in the garage with the overhead door open. The experience prompted me to write this blog.
When considering home health and safety in building today’s homes, one critical yet often overlooked aspect is proper air sealing of doors, walls, and ceilings between the garage and the conditioned living space. While it may not seem like a major concern, ensuring a proper seal in these areas can have a profound impact on indoor air quality and overall health.
Garages are typically used for storing vehicles, lawn equipment, paint, chemicals, and other items that emit harmful pollutants. These can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter, all of which pose significant health risks. Without proper air sealing, these pollutants can seep into your home’s living spaces, compromising the air that you and your family breathe.
Carbon monoxide is particularly concerning because it is odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly at high concentrations. Even small amounts of CO that enter your home can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, and in severe cases, long-term health issues or fatalities. Similarly, VOCs released from stored items can contribute to respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and long-term health concerns like liver and kidney damage.
Air sealing acts as a critical barrier, preventing these harmful substances from infiltrating your home. By sealing gaps and cracks around doors, walls, and ceilings, you can minimize air exchange between the garage and conditioned spaces. This is especially important for attached garages, where the proximity to living areas increases the likelihood of pollutant transfer.
In addition to protecting health, air sealing improves energy efficiency by preventing drafts and maintaining a consistent indoor temperature. This dual benefit makes it an essential component of a healthy and sustainable home. To ensure effective air sealing, consider using weatherstripping around the garage entry door and caulking or foam sealant to fill any cracks in the adjoining walls. For added protection, install a self-closing, airtight door and ensure that it is properly insulated.
Taking the time to air seal the door and walls between your garage and living spaces is a simple but powerful step toward a healthier home environment. By doing so, you are not only safeguarding your family’s well-being but also enhancing your home’s comfort and efficiency.
And given my older home and its deficiencies in this area, I will no longer fire up the old snowblower anywhere except outside with the overhead garage door closed!